Episode 157: The Sri Lankan Crisis - Latest Developments

Sri Lanka is currently facing its worst economic crisis in 70 years. The economic meltdown has also sparked a political crisis. Sri Lankans, who see no end to their financial burdens, have taken to the streets. The protests have pressured the Rajapaksas to leave not only high politics but also the country. This political vacuum formed by the Rajapaksas saw the former Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, take office as President, with Dinesh Gunawardena serving as Prime Minister. Amidst these developments, Sri Lanka is seeking its seventeenth International Monetary Fund bailout loan. In this episode, Ms Shavinyaa Vijaykumarr, Research Analyst, ISAS, spoke to Dr Chulanee Attanayake, Research Fellow, ISAS, and Dr Rajni Gamage, Post-doctoral Fellow, ISAS. They discussed economic restructuring policies, diplomacy and foreign policy considerations, and Sri Lanka's domestic political outlook.